The Mayo Clinic says that gout is a crippling condition in which you develop sudden pain in your big toe and joint swelling and tenderness. Typically, gout occurs when there is an accumulation of uric acid crystals in your joints. Additional gout symptoms include joint pain in your feet, wrist, knees or hands. Fortunately, treatments exist to reduce gout symptoms.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
The Mayo Clinic says that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen can be used to decrease pain in gout sufferers. According to Drugs.com, naproxen's common side effects include gas, dizziness, a headache, heartburn and diarrhea. It can also cause shortness of breath, chest pain, yellowing of the skin and coughing up blood. Drugs.com says that naproxen can elevate your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. This drug can also lead to gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation.
Naproxen is available as an extended-release or enteric-coated tablet that must be taken as your doctor prescribes.
Colchicine
Colchicine is another medication indicated for gout treatment. MedlinePlus says that colchine's side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, trouble breathing and a rash. This medication also causes abnormal bruising or bleeding, bloody urine, seizures and stomach problems. Take one tablet of colchicine at the initial onset of a gout attack. MedlinePlus says that pain relief occurs within 12 hours and symptoms usually subside within 24 to 48 hours.
Other Medications
The Mayo Clinic says that corticosteroids, xanthine oxidase inhibitors and medications that promote uric acid removal also treat gout flare-ups. Corticosteroids like prednisone decrease inflammation and pain. Side effects include frequent infections and weakened bones. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors such as allopurinol block the enzyme involved in making uric acid. Allopurinol's side effects include nausea, a rash and poor liver function. Medications such as probenecid induce your kidneys to remove uric acid. Stomach pain, a rash and kidney stones are common side effects of these types of medications.
